In my 20s I work as an assistant to sculptor Dominick Laruccia, Jr. I have begun collecting his work and the internet has proven to be a valuable resource. My latest acquisition is a little bagatelle piece that most probably was sold at Gump's in San Francisco. It was probably made in the mid 1960s. The piece is constructed from copper nails that were braised together with a silver alloy to form an armature that was wound with wire. It is mounted on a marble base. The wire appears to be stainless steel. Later pieces used gold composition wire for a more deluxe effect. It is about 8 inches high and has a patina applied during its creation. The piece has been damaged. The copper armature has been bent and the wires on askew. After I understand the winding pattern, I plan on restoring the piece to its original condition. I am looking for additional Laruccia works to add to my collection. His style was varied and there are vases, sculpted trees, elaborate gold wire pieces, organic forms, chandeliers and fanciful pieces of all manner. Please contact me at 805-568-1896 or [email protected] of you have a piece to sell or would like to know more about "Il genio," Laruccia.
Michael Hutchings
Coppersmith
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